AN: This is a rough one, guys... hold on.
TRIGGER WARNING: this chapter includes intense, and pretty gory and violent scenes, as well as an almost sexual assault. If any of these are too much for you, please let me know and I will send an edited version to you.
9:00 PM
Edward relayed the information to the team, and they quickly pulled up everything they could on Raymond Parker. Alice's fingers flew across her keyboard. "Got him. Small-time dealer, nothing major in the system. No priors connecting him to Caius, but that doesn't mean anything."
Jasper looked up from another workstation. "We've got a registered vehicle under his name. 2015 black sedan. Traffic cams picked it up earlier today around Carnation, its front has considerable damage. It's consistent with the one who hit Edward."
Solomon's eyes sharpened. "Put out a BOLO."
"Already done," Rosalie confirmed, grabbing her gear.
9:45 PM
The call came in: a white van matching the one from the earlier BOLO was found sinking in a marina. The team rushed to the location, sirens wailing as they sped through the night.
By the time they arrived, the van was partially submerged, its rear end sticking out of the water. Officers were already on the scene, shining flashlights across the marina as divers worked to secure the vehicle.
Edward stood by the water's edge, his fists clenched. His heart pounded as they pulled the van out of the water. The doors were opened, and inside, they found Bella's phone, gun, and badge. But no sign of her.
Solomon exhaled slowly, his expression stone-cold. "They're covering their tracks."
Edward's breathing was shallow, his mind racing. He turned to Solomon. "We're getting close. He's trying to buy time."
Solomon nodded. "Then we push harder. This city's on lockdown until we bring her home."
10:15 PM
The team reconvened at the precinct, more determined than ever. The bullpen was alive with activity. Dispatch was coordinating with state troopers, patrol officers, and federal agents.
Alice worked furiously, her face illuminated by the glow of multiple monitors. "I've got traffic cam footage from earlier. The van was last seen heading towards the Snoqualmie River, near Carnation. No clear visuals on the driver, but the timing matches."
Solomon leaned over her shoulder. "What's around there?"
Jasper pulled up a map. "Mostly woods and hiking trails. There's an old service road leading to private properties, but nothing listed."
"Could be a bunker," Edward muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Hidden in the woods, away from prying eyes."
Solomon nodded. "That's where we focus. Everyone gear up. We're going out there."
Before anyone could move, the precinct doors slammed open. Commander Malek stormed in, his usually composed demeanor replaced by raw emotion. His eyes swept the room, locking onto Solomon.
"What the hell is going on?" Malek demanded, his voice sharp. "Another officer—Bella Swan, of all people—kidnapped? On our watch? Again?"
Solomon stepped forward, his voice steady but edged with frustration. "Commander, we've got leads. We're closing in."
Malek's gaze flicked to Edward, then to the rest of the team. His tone softened, but only slightly. "Bring me up to speed. Everything. Now."
Solomon quickly ran through the details—Raymond Parker, the black sedan, the sinking van, the Snoqualmie lead. Malek listened intently, his jaw tightening with every piece of information.
When Solomon finished, Malek exhaled sharply, his hands on his hips. "This is unacceptable. Swan is one of ours. We cannot let Caius or his men get away with this."
"We won't," Edward said, his voice like stone. His green eyes blazed, determination in both his voice and expression. "We're not stopping until we find her."
Malek's gaze lingered on Edward for a beat, then he nodded. "Alright. I'm coming with you."
Solomon raised an eyebrow. "Commander—"
"No arguments," Malek interrupted. "She's my officer. I'm not sitting behind a desk while this unfolds."
Solomon held his gaze, then gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. But you follow our lead out there."
Malek didn't reply, his expression making it clear he had no intention of doing otherwise. Instead, he turned to the team. "Let's move."
11:00 PM
The team assembled near the edge of the dense Carnation forest, their movements efficient as they finalized preparations. The air was crisp, carrying the faint, earthy scent of moss and pine. Overhead, the night sky was shrouded in heavy clouds, dimming the moonlight and casting long, shadowy fingers across the uneven terrain.
Solomon stood at the center of the group, his voice calm but authoritative as he delivered the briefing. "We move as a unit. Alice will monitor the drone feed and guide us. Edward, Commander, you're with me. Rosalie and Emmett, take the east trail—check every structure, every clearing. Jacob and Jasper, you've got the west. Keep your comms clear and stay alert. No one engages alone."
The team nodded in unison, their resolve evident. This wasn't just another mission. This was one of their own.
Edward adjusted his vest, his fingers tightening around the straps as his heart thudded heavily in his chest. His green eyes scanned the forest ahead, dark and uninviting, and he felt the weight of his gear pressing down on his shoulders. But that weight was nothing compared to the suffocating dread coiling in his stomach.
He could feel her. He didn't know how or why, but he could. Bella was out there, somewhere in the darkness, scared and vulnerable—and it was killing him to think of her alone.
His mind replayed the crash, the sound of metal crunching and glass shattering. He could still see her car pulling ahead of his, her taillights glowing faintly through the haze of the streetlamps. The moment he saw those headlights bearing down on him, his gut had screamed at him to act, but it hadn't been enough. And now she was gone.
A low growl escaped him as he pulled his gloves tighter. Caius. That name alone was enough to ignite something feral in him. The thought of Bella in Caius's hands was unbearable, a deep, searing agony that twisted through his chest.
"Hold on, Bella," he murmured under his breath, his voice low but resolute. "We're coming. I'm coming."
He glanced at the others—Rosalie tightening her ponytail, her expression steely; Emmett adjusting his flashlight, a rare seriousness etched across his face. Even Jacob, who often wore his emotions on his sleeve, was uncharacteristically quiet, his jaw clenched tight. This wasn't just a mission for any of them. Bella was family, and family meant everything.
Solomon's voice broke through Edward's thoughts. "We're on the clock, people. Let's move."
Edward fell in step behind Solomon, his boots crunching against the forest floor. As they entered the tree line, the sounds of civilization faded, replaced by the faint rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. The forest was alive, but to Edward, it felt eerily silent. Every sound, every movement, could be a threat—or a clue.
His thoughts turned inward again, unbidden. He thought about Bella's laugh, the way it seemed to light up even the darkest corners of his life. The way her nose scrunched when she was concentrating too hard. The way she could read him with a single glance.
He couldn't lose her. Not now, not ever.
"She's strong," Solomon said quietly, his voice low enough that only Edward could hear. Edward glanced at him, surprised by the uncharacteristic attempt at reassurance. "Bella's a fighter. She'll hold on until we get there."
Edward nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "She has to."
As the group split into their designated teams and began their search, Edward adjusted his comms and scanned the forest ahead, his every sense tuned to the task at hand. Somewhere out there, Bella was waiting for them. And he'd tear through every shadow and every threat to bring her home.
…
11:30 PM
The room was quiet except for the distant, muted sound of flowing water from the river. Bella sat on the cold, damp floor, her back pressed against the rough concrete wall. Her wrists throbbed with pain, the thick twine biting deeply into her skin, now slick with blood. She had spent hours twisting and pulling, her determination unwavering even as her efforts proved futile. The sharp sting of raw flesh was a constant reminder of her situation, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the searing anger burning in her chest.
Her sharp eyes scanned the room for the hundredth time, methodically taking in every detail—the rusted pipes, the cracked ceiling, the discarded crates in the corner. But there was nothing, not a single item she could use to her advantage. She clenched her teeth, suppressing a frustrated growl.
Think, Bella. There has to be a way.
Suddenly, the heavy metal door groaned open. Bella's head snapped up, her breath hitching. Her heart thundered as her eyes locked onto the figure entering the room. Tall, lean, with pale blonde hair and eyes so cold they could freeze fire—Caius.
His movements were done with purpose, every step slow and calculated and meant to intimidate her—but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Bella's jaw clenched so hard it ached, but she refused to break eye contact, her hatred for him surging like a wildfire.
Caius stopped a few feet from her, his lips curling into a cruel grin. "Well, well," he drawled, his voice smooth yet filled with venom. "Detective Swan. You look… worse for wear."
Bella didn't respond, her gaze burning into him. Her silence was defiance, her refusal to give him the satisfaction of fear or submission.
Behind Caius, two of his men entered, struggling under the weight of a large, body-shaped bag. The stench hit Bella instantly—putrid, foul, a sickly mix of rot and decay. Her stomach turned, and she gagged, her throat tightening.
"Drop it," Caius ordered casually.
The men dumped the bag onto the floor with a heavy thud. Bella's breathing quickened as they unzipped it, and her eyes widened in horror as a corpse spilled out. The man's face was barely recognizable, his skin mottled and decomposed, his mouth twisted in a grotesque final expression.
Caius crouched beside the body, his hand resting on the dead man's shoulder. Sick fuck. "This," he said, his tone almost conversational, "is Felix. He was a good friend of mine. Loyal. Capable. And now? Thanks to one of you," his eyes flicked to Bella, sharp as daggers, "he's nothing but meat for the worms."
Bella swallowed hard, her throat dry, but she kept her face neutral. Her heart raced, a mix of terror and fury pulsing through her veins.
Caius smirked at her silence. "Bag him up again," he instructed his men.
The corpse was quickly zipped back into the bag and dragged from the room, leaving only the lingering stench of death. Caius turned his full attention back to Bella, his icy eyes narrowing as he closed the distance between them.
Bella's chest heaved with shallow breaths, her wrists burning against the restraints. She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she fought the tide of emotions threatening to consume her.
"You know," Caius began, his tone conversational, almost bored, "I've always admired people like you. Stubborn, relentless, unbreakable… or so you think." His lips curved into a wicked smirk. "But everyone breaks, Detective. Everyone."
Bella glared up at him, her body taut as a bowstring. "If you're expecting me to beg, you're wasting your fucking time," she spat. She'd never grovel in front of this waste of human life.
Caius chuckled, the sound devoid of humor. "Oh, I'm not looking for your tears, Detective. Not yet, anyway." He crouched down to her level, his face inches from hers. "I'm more interested in your pain."
Bella's stomach churned, but she refused to look away, her jaw tightening as she stared him down.
Caius tilted his head, studying her with a cruel glint in his eyes. "That handsome detective who was in the car behind you…" he said, his voice almost casual. "What's his name again? Edward, isn't it?"
Bella's blood ran cold. The mention of Edward's name sent a jolt of panic through her, but she kept her face neutral, her teeth grinding together to keep her emotions in check.
Caius grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Ah, yes. Edward Masen. Brave, loyal, selfless." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Did you know he screamed your name when we dragged him out of the wreckage? Begged us to leave you alone?"
Bella's heart hammered against her ribs, her mind screaming at her to focus, to think, to not let him see the cracks forming in her armor.
Caius straightened, pacing slowly in front of her like a predator circling its prey. "Poor guy. He put up a fight, I'll give him that. But in the end, well…" He gestured toward the now-empty space where Felix's corpse had been. "He didn't look much better than our friend Felix."
Bella's breath hitched, her vision blurring with a mix of rage and fear. "You're lying," she snarled, her voice trembling despite her best efforts.
"Am I?" Caius stopped, turning to face her, his expression triumphant. "You'd know better than anyone, wouldn't you? You saw the car. Do you really think he walked away from that? I mean, we had to finish him off, of course…"
The walls of her composure began to crack, a single tear slipping down her cheek before she could stop it. She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, trying to channel the searing ache in her chest into something she could control—something other than despair.
Caius crouched again, his tone soft, almost mockingly was assaulted by his smell—sweat, stale tobacco, and something else metallic, like dried blood. She forced herself not to recoil, her defiant stare unwavering."Ah, there it is," he murmured. "That flicker of doubt, of fear. You can't hide it from me, Swan. You care about him. Deeply."
Bella's eyes burned with unshed tears as she finally let her rage boil over. "You motherfucker!" she screamed, lunging forward despite her restraints. The twine bit deeper into her wrists, sending fresh pain shooting through her arms, but she didn't care. "You can do whatever the hell you want to me, but Edward has nothing to do with this! He doesn't deserve this!"
Caius's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "There it is," he said softly, almost to himself. "That fire. That's what I wanted to see."
He stood, his shadow looming over her. "You're right, Swan. He doesn't deserve this, didn't deserve this. But then again, neither did Felix. Or my brother. Or any of the others you and your precious team have meddled with. Choices have consequences, and your team made their bed long ago."
Bella trembled, her breaths coming in sharp gasps as fury and fear warred within her. She could feel the rawness in her throat, the sting of her tears, but she refused to let him see her crumble.
"Edward is coming for me," she said through gritted teeth, her voice trembling but defiant, as she tried to believe the words herself. Tried to believe Caius was spewing nothing but bullshit, trying to wriggle his way into her head. "And when he does, you'll wish you'd stayed in whatever fucking hole you crawled out of."
Caius laughed, the sound echoing in the small room. "I welcome the challenge," he said, reaching a hand out to trail down her cheek, and Bella stared at him with unadulterated hatred. "Let's see how far your knight in shining armor is willing to go before I break him too."
Caius chuckled darkly then, like the fucking psychopath he was, pulling a knife from his pocket. The blade gleamed under the dim light, serrated edges glinting wickedly. He turned it over in his hand, admiring it like a prized possession.
"You won't survive this, Bella," he murmured, eyes flickering to hers. "But I'll admit, I'm going to enjoy every moment of it."
Bella's eyes followed the blade, her heartbeat thudding in her ears. She felt the familiar cold grip of fear, but she buried it beneath her rage. You will not break me, she told herself, her teeth grinding.
Without warning, Caius lifted his arm and drove the knife into Bella's shoulder. The force of the strike sent a lightning bolt of agony through her body. She screamed, her body instinctively jerking forward as the blade tore through muscle and sinew.
Caius gripped tightened on the handle of the knife, his knuckles pale against the hilt, and leaned closer, his grin widening as he twisted the blade. The sickening sound of torn flesh and muscle filled the room, accompanied by Bella's strangled cry. The searing pain shot through her torso like a wildfire, every nerve igniting in agony.
"You've got fight in you," Caius sneered. "Let's see how much more you've got left."
He jerked the blade sideways, slicing deeper, and Bella's body arched involuntarily, her scream raw and guttural. Blood poured from the wound, warm and sticky, soaking her shirt and pooling beneath her. The metallic tang of it filled the air, mingling with the rank smell of the damp room.
Caius yanked the knife free with a wet, squelching sound, and a fresh wave of blood gushed from the gash. Bella lifted her bound hands to try and clutch at the injury instinctively, her trembling fingers slick with blood as she pressed her knuckles against the wound, desperate to stem the flow.
But Caius wasn't finished. He raised his boot, the sole dark with grime and debris, and swung it toward her face. The impact was brutal, a thunderous crack as leather met bone. Bella's head snapped back violently, her vision erupting into a kaleidoscope of stars and blackness. Her body crumpled to the floor like a discarded rag doll, her cheekbone striking the unforgiving concrete with a nauseating crunch.
The pain was indescribable, radiating from her face in sharp, electric pulses. She tasted blood—thick and warm, filling her mouth and choking her throat. Her ears rang, muffling the world around her, and her vision blurred with tears and dizziness.
Caius crouched beside her, his shadow casting a long, malevolent shroud over her broken form. He reached out, his fingers gripping her jaw with bruising force, forcing her to look at him.
"You're nothing," he hissed, his breath hot and reeking of cigarettes. "All that fight, all that stubborn pride… and here you are. Bleeding out on the floor like the useless little cop you are."
Bella tried to pull away, but her body betrayed her, weakened and trembling. Her breaths came in shallow, ragged gasps, her chest heaving with the effort. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, warm and sticky, as her mind swam in and out of consciousness.
Her thoughts screamed at her, clawing for survival. You can't give in. Not now. Not like this.
But the pain was overwhelming, each heartbeat sending fresh waves of torment through her battered body.
Caius finally released her jaw, letting her head drop limply to the floor. He rose to his feet, the knife still slick with her blood. The crimson droplets splattered onto the floor as he turned away, leaving her sprawled in a growing pool of her own blood. Her body twitched, muscles spasming as shock and blood loss threatened to claim her.
Bella's mind clung to a single, desperate thought.
This isn't how it ends. I'll make him pay. I'll get out of this, no matter what it takes.
…
12:04 AM
The convoy of police vehicles rolled into Carnation just as the clock struck midnight. The air was heavy with the scent of rain from earlier in the evening, vibrating with tension of the officers and detectives all on edge.
As officers disembarked, the area came alive with the flickering of flashlights slicing through the darkness. The beams illuminated thick clusters of trees, glistening leaves, and the uneven forest floor, while the distant rush of the Snoqualmie River was a constant murmur in the background, a chilling reminder of the wilderness they were venturing into.
Above, the thudding of helicopter blades echoed through the night, their searchlights casting sweeping arcs over the dense canopy. The roar of engines mixed with the occasional bark of K-9 units, their handlers urging them forward.
Solomon's voice crackled over the comms, steady and commanding.
"Listen up," he began. "This will be tough. The terrain is rough, the night's long, and we're running against the clock. But we do not stop. We do not give up. Bella's out there, and she needs us. We bring her home. That's our only objective."
In the squad car, Edward gripped the steering wheel tightly, with his jaw clenched and his face a mask of determination and barely suppressed fear. Bella's face kept flashing through his mind, and he swore silently, I'll find you, Bella. I fucking swear I will.
The command post was set up quickly, and officers began their grid search, spreading out in pairs. The glow of their flashlights bobbed in the darkness like fireflies. The K-9 units worked tirelessly, noses to the ground, weaving through the underbrush. Every rustle, every snap of a twig, set nerves on edge.
Edward, now on foot with Solomon and the Commander, adjusted his earpiece as the comms buzzed with updates from various units.
"Sector three clear. No sign yet."
"K-9 in sector five has a trail, moving north."
"Nothing in sector one, moving to sector two."
The search was grueling, the terrain unforgiving. Mud sucked at their boots, and low-hanging branches clawed at their clothes. But no one slowed. No one complained.
Suddenly, a voice from one of the choppers broke the tense rhythm. "Command, this is Air One. We've got eyes on an abandoned vehicle by the river. Sending coordinates now."
Edward's heart leapt. Solomon grabbed his radio. "All units, converge on those coordinates. That's our lead."
The officers changed course, the urgency palpable. Flashlights flickered faster, K-9 handlers jogged, and the helicopter's spotlight focused on the area ahead. The tension was electric. They were close. They could feel it.
…
The distant thrum of helicopter blades reached the ears of the men inside, vibrating faintly through the walls of the bunker. Inside, the low ceiling amplified the tension, the dim bulbs casting harsh, flickering shadows that seemed to dance with the anxiety in the room. Caius stood at the center, his pale features twisted with irritation, his movements sharp and agitated as he paced.
"They're closing in," one of his men muttered, glancing nervously toward the door.
Caius's steps halted abruptly. His icy gaze sliced through the man, silencing him instantly. "Of course, they are," Caius hissed, his voice a low snarl. "They're like dogs. Loyal. Stupid. And entirely incapable of knowing when they're beaten."
He turned on his heel, running a hand through his hair with a frustrated growl. "We move now. Take only what we need. Leave the rest."
Rick, slouched against the wall, straightened, his expression uneasy. "What about her?" He jerked his head toward Bella, who was lying on her side, her breaths shallow, her face pale from blood loss.
For a moment, Caius didn't respond. He simply stared ahead, his jaw tightening as though weighing his options. Then, with deliberate slowness, he turned to Bella. His boots echoed against the concrete floor as he crossed the room, stopping just short of her.
Bella met his gaze, defiant despite the fire of fear and pain burning in her chest. She refused to give him the satisfaction of looking away.
Caius crouched down in front of her, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, he was silent. Then, his lips twisted into a grim smile, his voice low and venomous.
"They're coming for you," he said mockingly, his breath warm against her face. "Your precious team. So loyal. So determined. It's almost admirable."
Bella didn't flinch, her jaw tightening as she stared up at him.
"But do you know what loyalty gets you, Detective Swan?" Caius leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper, his tone laced with venom. "It gets you killed. It gets the people you love killed. And for what? To keep people like me from playing the game better than you ever could?"
He reached out, his hand brushing a strand of hair from her face. Bella recoiled, her teeth clenched in fury, but Caius didn't flinch. His grin widened, his anger bubbling just beneath the surface.
"I wanted more time with you," he admitted, his voice thick with frustration. "I had plans, Detective. Painful, exquisite plans. But your team just couldn't let me enjoy myself. Their persistence, their insufferable devotion to you—" He exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "It ruins the fun."
Bella's glare was unrelenting, her silence a slap in the face to his arrogance. Her chest heaved, anger and fear warring within her as his gaze lingered, dark and unyielding.
Caius stood abruptly, towering over her. Without looking back, he addressed Rick, his voice cold and clipped. "Kill her."
Rick hesitated, his eyes flicking between Caius and Bella.
Caius's gaze snapped to him, his expression livid. "And make her burn," he spat, his tone seething with cruelty. "Make it hurt."
Without another word, Caius strode out of the room, his footsteps fading down the hall. The door swung shut behind him, the silence that followed thick and suffocating.
Rick's grotesque grin widened as he approached, his gait slow, predatory. His shadow loomed over Bella, who remained on the floor, her body trembling not just from blood loss but from the effort of holding herself together. Her shoulder throbbed mercilessly, each heartbeat sending fresh waves of agony through her frame. Despite it all, her gaze was locked on Rick, her jaw tight, her defiance simmering beneath the pain.
"Well, well," Rick taunted, crouching beside her. The stench of sweat and stale cigarettes radiated off him. "Looks like it's just you and me now. No one to save you now, huh?"
Bella forced herself to stay still, her breaths shallow but controlled. Her eyes flicked briefly to the knife Rick pulled from his belt, its edge catching the faint light. He ran the blade along the ropes binding her ankles, the motion deliberate, almost teasing.
Rick pulled the knife from his belt and he tilted his head, his grin widening. His eyes roved over her with a twisted sense of entitlement that made her skin crawl.
"Before I finish you off…" Rick's voice was low, grimy, dripping with malice. He crouched down beside her. "I'm gonna take my time. Make it worth it."
Bella's stomach churned, a surge of nausea rising in her throat, but she kept her expression as steady as she could manage. "You'll fucking regret it," she spat, her voice hoarse and raw. Every word was fueled by fury, by defiance she refused to let him take from her.
Rick chuckled, a dark, guttural sound that reverberated in her ears. "Oh, I like that," he murmured, leaning in closer, his breath hot and rancid against her ear. His tone dropped lower, venomous and vile. "Makes it so much better when they fight back. When they scream."
The words sank like poison into Bella's chest, sending a fresh wave of adrenaline surging through her. She clenched her jaw so tightly it ached, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to stay calm.
As the ropes around her ankles fell away, Rick shifted his focus to her pants, slicing at the fabric, uncaring of the nicks he made into her skin. The blade pricked her skin, each shallow cut adding to the tapestry of pain already wracking her body.
She willed herself to stay calm, to think. But as the knife moved closer, panic clawed at her chest.
Bella's mind raced, the pounding of her heart almost drowning out the sound of Rick's heavy breaths as he leaned in closer, his hands pawing at her breasts greedily. Her shoulder throbbed mercilessly, but adrenaline dulled the pain just enough for her to focus.
She wasn't going to let this man have the satisfaction of taking anything more from her.
As soon as Rick cut through the last of her pants, she moved. With her legs free, Bella drew in a sharp breath and kicked upward with all her strength, her foot connecting squarely with his groin. He let out a guttural cry, his body folding forward as he collapsed onto the floor, his hands clutching himself in agony.
Bella didn't hesitate. She rolled onto her side, gasping against the sharp pain that shot through her injured shoulder. Her fingers scrabbled across the dirt until they found the knife Rick had dropped. Gritting her teeth, she gripped the hilt, the blade slick with her blood and his sweat.
Rick, still groaning, tried to push himself up, but Bella was already on him. She lunged awkwardly, her weight unsteady and bound wrists adding to the difficulty, and plunged the knife into his side. His eyes widened in shock, a wet gasp escaping his lips.
"You're a motherfucking disgusting piece of shit," she hissed, her voice trembling with rage and raw emotion. She twisted the blade, earning a choked scream from Rick.
Her movements were unrelenting, fueled by desperation and fury. She stabbed him again, then again, the awkward angle and the searing pain in her shoulder making every motion a grueling effort. Blood spattered her hands, hot and sticky, the metallic scent overwhelming.
Rick's struggles grew weaker, his hands flailing aimlessly before falling limp. His eyes, once filled with cruel intent, now stared blankly at the ceiling. Bella sat back, her chest heaving, the knife still clenched in her trembling hands.
Her vision blurred, but she forced herself to keep moving. She held the hilt of the knife between her teeth, then brought the blade to the ropes around her wrists, sawing through the fibers. The strain on her injured shoulder was unbearable, her screams muffled by clenched teeth, but she didn't stop. Finally, the ropes gave way, and her arms fell free.
Panting, she searched Rick's pockets with bloodied fingers. She found a handgun, her hands trembling as she tucked it into the waistband of her shredded jeans. With a deep, steadying breath, she leaned against the wall for support and surveyed her surroundings.
She couldn't stay here.
Bella edged toward the bunker door, her steps careful, every nerve in her body on high alert. She pushed it open cautiously, greeted by the biting night air. The distant sound of rushing water reminded her of where she was—by the river, deep in the woods.
Her eyes darted around, catching movement ahead. Three figures, their backs to her, were moving swiftly through the underbrush—Caius and his remaining men. Bella's heart surged with rage as she pulled the gun free. Without thinking, she raised it, aimed for the nearest figure, and squeezed the trigger.
A single shot rang out, and the man closest to Caius crumpled to the ground. His body hit the forest floor with a sickening thud. The other two whirled around, guns drawn, and fired back. Bella ducked low, crawling behind a nearby tree. The bark scraped against her as she adjusted her aim and fired again, hitting the second man squarely in the forehead. He dropped instantly.
Now it was just Caius and one other.
Bella shifted positions, her breaths coming fast and heavy. She peeked around the tree, catching the third man's wild eyes as he fired again, missing by mere inches. She steadied her aim and fired twice, her bullets finding their mark. The man's head snapped back before he fell, lifeless, to the ground.
Caius was the last one standing.
For the first time since this nightmare began, Bella saw a crack in Caius's composure. His face, always so smug, now betrayed a flicker of shock. His eyes darted to the bodies around him, then back to Bella. His lips parted, but no words came.
Bella straightened, her legs unsteady but determined. The gun felt solid in her hand as she stepped out from behind the tree, breathing ragged but her face set in cold resolve.
Caius's eyes narrowed. "I should've killed you when I had the chance," he spat, hatred dripping from every word.
Bella's grip tightened around the gun. She took a steadying breath, her voice low and unwavering. "Yeah, you should've."
She raised the gun and fired. The bullet tore through Caius's knee, and he screamed, collapsing onto the ground. His hands clawed at the dirt as he tried to crawl away, but Bella wouldn't let him get far.
The sound of leaves crunching behind her made her spin, her gun raised. Her finger hovered over the trigger until her eyes locked onto a familiar pair of green eyes. Relief flooded her system so fast it nearly knocked her off her feet.
"Edward," she choked out, her voice breaking.
Edward closed the distance between them in seconds, his arms wrapping around her tightly. Bella clung to him as she sobbed into his chest, the overwhelming emotions finally spilling over. Relief, pain, and rage mixed together in a torrent of tears.
Caius's games, his cruel words about Edward's death, had nearly broken her, but now Edward was here, standing in front of her, real and unharmed.
Edward pulled back slightly, his hands cradling her face. "You're okay. You're okay," he whispered, though his own voice wavered with emotion.
Her hands gripped his jacket as she looked up at him, and his eyes scanned her face, taking in every bruise, every cut—the dep red staining her shirt, indicating injury. "Fuck, you're hurt," Edward muttered, anger in his voice.
"I—I'm okay, I—" Bella took in a deep, shuddering breath, her voice cracking, her mind trying to keep up with her words. "But he said—you—". Her words broke off, her throat tightening.
"I'm here," Edward reassured her again, cupping her face gently. "He didn't win. I'm here."
Before either of them could say more, the sharp crack of a gunshot echoed through the forest. The bullet whizzed past, striking a tree just inches from where they stood. Reactively, Edward pulled Bella down, shielding her as they both hit the ground.
"Stay down!" Edward hissed, his voice low but urgent.
Their hearts pounded in unison as they clutched at each other, their breaths mingling in the cold night air. Bella's body pressed against Edward's for just a second longer before they both shifted into action. With practiced ease, they drew their weapons, their eyes scanning the trees for the source of the shot.
Bella's gaze flicked to Caius, who was still crawling, his face twisted with pain and fury. "It wasn't him," she whispered.
Edward nodded, his body taut with focus. "There's someone else out here."
They moved as one, each covering the other's blind spots as they scanned the shadows. The sound of rustling leaves to their right caught Bella's attention. She gestured silently, and Edward shifted his position, his weapon trained on the direction of the noise.
From behind a cluster of trees, a figure stumbled forward, a gun clutched shakily in his hand. It was one of Caius's men, his face pale, his expression a mix of desperation and rage.
"Drop it!" Edward barked, his voice commanding.
The man hesitated, his grip tightening on the weapon. Bella stepped slightly to the side, her gun steady. "You don't want to do this," she said, her tone firm but calm. "It's over. Drop the gun."
The man's eyes darted between them, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. For a moment, it looked as though he might comply, but then his gaze flicked to Caius, who lay bleeding and broken on the ground.
"Don't be stupid," Edward warned.
The man's shoulders slumped. His gun clattered to the ground, and Bella exhaled slowly, the adrenaline coursing through her veins like fire.
Edward kicked the weapon away, his eyes never leaving the man. "On the ground. Hands behind your head."
The man complied, collapsing to his knees as Edward secured him with zip ties. Getting a closer look at his face, Edward recognized him immediately as Raymond Parker.
Bella kept her weapon trained on Caius, her gaze cold as she approached. The man had stopped crawling, his breaths shallow, his body limp but still alive.
"I've got you," Edward said softly as he finished restraining the other man. His eyes found Bella's, and she gave him a single nod before turning back to Caius.
Bella stood over Caius, her hands gripping the gun so tightly her knuckles ached. Her breaths were shallow, uneven, as the weight of everything pressed down on her. Caius's eyes fluttered open, his lips curling into a weak, twisted smirk despite the blood pooling beneath him.
"You're weak," he rasped, his voice grating and venomous. "Just a dumb fucking cop. You don't have the balls—"
The gunshot shattered the silence, deafening and final. Blood sprayed across the ground as Caius's head snapped back, his body slumping lifelessly to the cold earth. The smirk that had taunted her was gone, replaced by stillness. Bella's arm fell slowly to her side, the gun trembling in her grip as she whispered, "Shut the fuck up."
Bella barely registered the chaos around her as officers swarmed the scene, their voices a mix of commands and chatter. Flashlights sliced through the thick woods, catching glimpses of grim faces, shattered branches, and the metallic glint of discarded weapons. She stood motionless, her body swaying under the weight of exhaustion and trauma. Every muscle screamed in protest, her ribs aching with every shallow breath.
Edward was at her side, his hand firm on her arm, his eyes darting to every shadow. Even though the immediate threat was gone, his protective instincts were on high alert. His thumb brushed over her skin, grounding her, reminding her she wasn't alone anymore.
"Bella!" Solomon's voice cut through the din. He pushed through the cluster of officers, his normally stoic face tight with concern. He stopped in front of her, his sharp gaze taking in her bloodied clothes, disheveled hair, and bruised face. "Fuck. What the hell happened out here?"
Bella blinked, her mind sluggish, trying to piece together a coherent answer. "I'm… I'm fine," she croaked, though her voice was raw, and she knew she didn't look fine. She gestured weakly to her bloodstained shirt. "Not all mine. Most of it's… theirs."
Solomon's jaw tightened as he processed her words. His eyes flicked to Edward, whose grip on her arm hadn't loosened. "She's in shock," Edward said, his voice low but urgent. "She needs to be checked out now."
Solomon nodded, stepping back to bark orders. "We need medics here! And get CSU to secure that bunker," he added, his finger pointing toward the hidden trap door Bella had indicated earlier.
The scene buzzed with renewed urgency, but Bella barely noticed. Her head felt heavy, her vision swimming as the adrenaline ebbed away, leaving behind a cold, empty ache. She swayed slightly, and Edward immediately pulled her closer, his arm wrapping securely around her waist.
"You're okay," he murmured to her again, needing her to believe it, his voice steady in her ear. "I've got you."
Bella's lips parted, but no words came out. Her throat burned, her chest tightening as the weight of everything pressed down on her. The horror of the past hours replayed in jagged flashes—Caius's taunts, the cold feel of the ropes biting into her wrists, the suffocating smell of the bunker, Rick's sick and twisted implications.
But cutting through the terror was Edward's face, his voice, his presence, and she clung onto it vehemently.
The medics arrived quickly, guiding her toward a stretcher. She resisted at first, her hand gripping Edward's shirt. "Don't leave," she rasped, her voice breaking.
"I'm not going anywhere," Edward assured her, his green eyes locking with hers. "I'm right here."
Reluctantly, she allowed herself to be lowered onto the stretcher. The medics worked efficiently, checking her vitals, gently cleaning the dried blood from her face and hands. Bella winced as they touched her bruised ribs and attended to her shoulder, the pain sharper now that the adrenaline had faded.
As they lifted the stretcher into the ambulance, Edward climbed in without hesitation, settling onto the bench beside her. He took her hand, his fingers threading through hers, his touch warm and reassuring. Bella closed her eyes briefly, trying to just breathe.
"Stay with me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Always," Edward replied softly, his thumb stroking the back of her hand.
The ride to the hospital was a blur of muted lights and muffled voices. Bella's thoughts spiraled, a tangle of relief and shock.
She had survived.
Edward was alive.
Caius was finally dead.
And they'd be home soon.
When they arrived at the ER, the reality of her injuries became impossible to ignore. Bella was rushed through the sliding doors, the fluorescent lights casting harsh beams on her bloodied clothes. Edward kept pace with the stretcher, his jaw set and his hands clenched into fists at his sides. His eyes never left her face, even as a nurse moved to block his path.
"Sir, you can't come in here," the nurse said firmly, her hand gently but insistently on his chest.
"I'm not leaving her," Edward said, his voice sharp and tinged with desperation.
"She's in good hands," the nurse assured him, her expression kind, though resolute. "We need space to work."
Edward hesitated, his instincts warring with the knowledge that she needed immediate care. Bella, her face pale and damp with sweat, turned her head toward him, her hand twitching as though trying to reach for him.
"Go," she murmured weakly, her voice barely audible. "I'll be okay."
His throat tightened, but he nodded, stepping back as the team whisked her through the double doors. He stood there, frozen for a moment, his mind replaying the image of her blood-soaked shirt and the jagged gash in her shoulder. Finally, he sank into a chair in the waiting area, his head dropping into his hands.
Inside the trauma room, Bella blinked against the bright overhead lights. The antiseptic smell of the hospital stung her nose, and the voices around her blurred into a cacophony.
"BP's dropping—get an IV started now," one doctor ordered.
"We need imaging stat," another said, leaning over her shoulder to assess the wound.
The pain was sharp and relentless, radiating from her shoulder down her arm. She winced as gloved hands pressed around the injury, her vision darkening briefly as the blood loss made her dizzy.
"Deep puncture wound," a nurse said. "Possible damage to the subclavian artery. We're going to need surgery."
Bella barely processed the words. Her thoughts drifted back to Edward—his face, lined with worry, and his voice, promising he wouldn't leave her. She clung to that promise as the world around her faded in and out.
I'm not going to kill my characters... or am I? Isn't that illegal in fan fiction, lol?
Next update tomorrow! We're in the home stretch here, guys..